Savva and the Life of Man eBook

WIFE

They have forgotten what they knew, and ceased to
love what they loved.

MAN

They might have remembered me a little longer, a little
longer.

WIFE

I saw a young artist near that house. He studied
it carefully and made a sketch of it in his sketchbook.

MAN

Ah, why didn’t you tell me that before?
It’s highly significant, highly significant.
It means that my ideas are accepted and handed down
by others, and even if I am forgotten, my ideas will
live. It is tremendously significant.

WIFE

Yes, my dear, you are not forgotten. Do you remember
the young man who bowed so reverently to you on the
street?

MAN

Yes, that’s so, wife. He was a fine, very
fine youth. He had such a nice young face.
It’s good you reminded me of his bow. It
has sent a ray of brightness into my heart. But
I feel sleepy. I must be tired. I am old
too, my dear little gray wife. Have you noticed
it?

WIFE

You’re just as handsome as ever.

MAN

And my eyes are bright?

WIFE

Yes, your eyes are bright.

MAN

And my hair is black as pitch?

WIFE

It’s so white, so like snow that it’s
even more beautiful.

MAN

And no wrinkles?

WIFE

Yes, there are little wrinkles on your face, but—­

MAN

WIFE

There, you’re joking too, as in olden times.
But lie down here and sleep a little. I’ll
go to look after our boy. Don’t worry, I
won’t leave him. I’ll call you when
he wakes. You don’t care to kiss an old
wrinkled hand, do you?

MAN (kissing her hand)

Go, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve
ever known.

WIFE

And the wrinkles?

MAN

What wrinkles? I only see a dear, kind, good,
sensible face. Nothing else. Don’t
take offence at my stern tone. Go to the boy,
watch him, stay with him like a quiet shadow of gentleness
and love. And if he is disturbed in his sleep,
sing him a song as you used to do. And put the
grapes nearer, so that he can reach them.